Word
lifeguard
Phoneticslife·guard, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪfˌɡɑɹd/
UK/lˈaɪfɡɑːd/
Definitions
01water safety rescuer
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a person at a beach or swimming pool who watches swimmers and rescues them if they have trouble in the water.
n. a professional rescuer, usually an expert swimmer, employed to monitor swimmers and intervene in cases of potential drowning or distress.
“The lifeguard blew her whistle when she saw the children swimming too far from the shore.”
“The municipal pool requires at least two lifeguards to be on duty at all times to ensure the safety of the patrons.”
Usage
Countable noun; usually used with the definite article when referring to the person on duty.
Synonyms
02a personal guard
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Formal
n. a person or group of soldiers whose job is to protect an important person, like a king.
n. a bodyguard or elite military unit tasked with protecting the life and person of a monarch or high-ranking official.
“The king was always surrounded by his loyal lifeguard whenever he left the palace.”
“Historically, the sovereign's lifeguard consisted of elite cavalrymen chosen for their unwavering loyalty and physical prowess.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'bodyguard' is the standard term; this sense is mostly found in historical texts or specific military titles like the Life Guards in the British Army.
03train wheel protector
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical · British English
n. a metal frame on the front of a train that pushes small objects off the tracks.
n. a sturdy metal bracket or fender fixed in front of the leading wheels of a locomotive to deflect obstacles and prevent derailment.
“The engineer checked the lifeguard for damage after the train hit some debris on the tracks.”
“The safety inspection revealed a hairline fracture in the locomotive's lifeguard, necessitating an immediate repair before the next journey.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized railway term; in American English, the larger version on the front of a steam engine is often called a 'cowcatcher'.
Etymology
From life + guard, calque of Dutch lijfgarde, where life has the sense of Dutch lijf (“body”) (hence literally “bodyguard”). Compare German Leibgarde (“bodyguard”), Danish livgarde (“bodyguard”), Swedish livgarde (“bodyguard”). Compare also Old English līfweard (“guardian of life”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/lifeguard